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Is matte paint hard to clean?

Traditional matte paint is less washable than low-sheen or gloss — marks can be difficult to remove and rubbing can burnish (polish) the surface. However, modern premium matte paints (e.g. Dulux Wash&Wear Matte) offer significantly improved washability. If you want the matte look in a family home, consider upgrading to a premium washable matte.

What paint finish should I use on doors and trim?

Semi-gloss is the standard finish for doors, door frames, window frames and skirting boards. It's durable, easy to clean, and provides a subtle contrast with low-sheen walls. Gloss is also used but can look harsh. Using the same finish (low-sheen) on walls and trim creates a flat, modern look but lacks contrast.

Should I upgrade to premium paint?

Premium paints (e.g. Dulux Wash&Wear, Taubmans Endure) offer better washability, stain resistance and durability than standard paints. For family homes, hallways and high-traffic areas, the upgrade is often worthwhile. The cost ($500–$2,000) is modest relative to the total build cost and the benefit is daily and cumulative.

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Colours, Paint & Styling

Matte vs Gloss Paint: Which Finish Is Right for Your Home?

Durability, washability, light reflection and where each finish works best.

5 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Matte paint has a flat, non-reflective finish that hides imperfections but is harder to clean
Gloss paint is shiny, durable and easy to clean but highlights wall imperfections
Low-sheen and semi-gloss are popular mid-range finishes for walls
Different finishes suit different rooms — high-gloss for doors, matte for ceilings, low-sheen for walls
Premium washable paints bridge the gap — matte look with improved cleanability

The paint finish — matte, low-sheen, semi-gloss or gloss — affects both the appearance and the practicality of your walls. Each finish has different levels of light reflection, durability and washability. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right finish for each room in your home.

Paint Finishes Explained

Flat / matte — no shine; hides wall imperfections; least washable; typically used on ceilings
Low-sheen — slight shine; good balance of aesthetics and washability; the most popular wall finish
Semi-gloss — moderate shine; durable and washable; typically used on doors, trim and windows
Gloss / high-gloss — very shiny; highly durable and washable; highlights imperfections; used on trim and doors

Matte Paint

Hides imperfections — the non-reflective surface minimises visible wall bumps and patches
Soft, sophisticated look — popular in premium and display homes for living areas
Less washable — marks and scuffs are harder to clean; rubbing can burnish (polish) the surface
Best for — ceilings, low-traffic walls, adult bedrooms, formal living areas
Premium matte paints — some modern matte paints (e.g. Dulux Wash&Wear Matte) offer improved washability

Low-Sheen Paint

Slight shine — subtle reflectivity that adds depth without highlighting imperfections
Good washability — most marks can be wiped clean; the most practical wall finish
Versatile — works in almost any room, from living areas to bedrooms to hallways
Best for — most interior walls in family homes; the default choice for many builders

Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paint

Highly durable — resistant to scuffs, marks and repeated cleaning
Easy to clean — most marks wipe off easily; ideal for high-touch surfaces
Highlights imperfections — the shiny surface emphasises wall bumps and unevenness
Best for — doors, door frames, window frames, skirting boards, cabinetry
Not recommended for walls — gloss on large wall areas can look harsh and highlight every imperfection

Tip

A common, effective approach: matte or flat paint on ceilings, low-sheen on walls, and semi-gloss on doors, trim and skirting. This creates subtle contrast between surfaces and ensures high-touch areas (doors, frames) are durable and cleanable.

Premium Washable Paints

Premium paint ranges (e.g. Dulux Wash&Wear, Taubmans Endure) use advanced resin technology to create paints that offer the matte or low-sheen look with significantly improved washability and stain resistance. These paints are more expensive but are worth considering for high-traffic areas, family homes with children, and hallways. Ask your builder about upgrading to a premium washable paint.

Example Paint Upgrade Costs

Upgrade	Example Cost
Premium washable paint (e.g. Wash&Wear)	$500–$2,000
Matte finish upgrade (vs low-sheen)	$200–$800
Specialty finish (e.g. limewash)	$1,000–$5,000+

Real-world examples only. Many builders include a wide standard colour range at no extra cost. Costs vary by builder, brand and home size.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What paint finish does the builder use as standard on walls, ceilings and trim?
Can I upgrade the finish in specific rooms only (e.g. matte in living, low-sheen in kid's rooms)?
Which paint brand does the builder use, and can I see the full colour range?
Does the premium paint upgrade include ceilings and trim, or just walls?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using gloss on large wall areas — it highlights every imperfection and looks harsh
Using matte in high-traffic hallways where it can't withstand cleaning
Forgetting that ceiling paint should always be flat to hide plaster imperfections
Not upgrading to premium washable paint in family homes with children

Builder Tips

The ideal combination: flat on ceilings, low-sheen on walls, semi-gloss on doors and trim
Upgrade to premium washable paint in hallways and living areas — it's worth the $500–$2,000
Keep the same finish throughout for consistency — mixing finishes room-to-room looks unplanned
Ask if the builder allows split upgrades — premium in high-traffic areas, standard elsewhere

Paint Quality & Brands Guide

Understand standard vs premium paint before deciding.

Read the Guide